Muy animado concurso de altares

En las escuelas los infantes se disfrazaron

To keep Mexican traditions alive, altar contests began in various schools of Isla Mujeres this week, as part of the celebrations for Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead. In the preschool-kindergartens, in addition to the altar competitions, there was a costume contest. As a result, dozens of children came dressed in costumes such as devils, witches, pumpkins, or others. At the primary schools, the students also worked on altars to the dead, and dressed up to celebrate Dia de Muertos.

Tonight (Friday), in the open area of the Casa de la Cultura, there will be an Altar Contest for Dia de los Muertos, known in this region as Hanal Pixan. This has been organized by the Jean Piaget school.

These activities are designed to keep the traditions of the island alive, and dozens of groups signed up two weeks ago. These altar contests and activities are held in accordance with the pre Hispanic roots of this place, and are also an opportunity to show the island community, as well as domestic and foreign visitors, the creativity that is expressed through these works.

Gran fiesta del Caribe

All events of the fifth edition of the Festival of Caribbean Culture 2015 are free of charge and the guest country this year is Cuba, announced Mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez. The events will be held outside the Casa de la Cultura and are coordinated by the State Government's Ministry of Education and Culture, with the National Council for Culture and Art.

Friday, Nov. 13 at 7pm, there will be a performance by the dance troupe Alma Caribeña; the band Gil Harry Seven, and the headliner is famous musical artist Isaac Delgado and his band.

Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6pm, there will be a performance by the Symphonic Orchestra of Quintana Roo, featuring songs written by isleños, including Virgilio “El Chino” Fernández and his son Virgilio Fernández. This will be followed by “El Chevo y su Swing Urbano”, who play a mix of Caribbean rhythms and urban music, including the hit: “Métela Sácala”. Then Cumbia legend Celso Piña, will take the stage, creator of the hit “Cumbia Sobre el Río Suenan”, accompanied by Patricio Elizalde (Pato Machete).

Sunday, Nov. 15 at 7pm, there will be a performance by the Ballet de Danza Folclórica de México, followed by Son de la Catedral, and a presentation by Charanga Habanera; whose leader David Calzado is known for the hit “Gozando de la Habana”.

Dozens of island families benefited once again from the program Recycling Trash for Food, which was held this (yesterday) morning at the Bicentenario sports dome in colonia La GloriaDecenas de familias isleñas se beneficiaron nuevamente con el Programa
Basura por Alimento llevado a cabo esta mañana, en el domo deportivo
Bicentenario de la popular colonia La Gloria.

Oct. 30 is the anniversary of the birth of Francisco I Madero, who is known for being the leader of a democratic government which was concerned with the living conditions of the ordinary people.Hoy 30 de Octubre, Natalicio de Francisco I. Madero. Su mandato se
caracterizó por encabezar un gobierno democrático preocupado por las
condiciones de vida del pueblo llano.

SALUD

The head of the Health District #2, Jorge Gutierrez Contreras has given assurances that there have been no confirmed cases of Chikungunya on the island, which is being questioned on social networks after a young woman has claimed her parents and sister have the disease. She said they were told by the hospital that it was probably just a fever and were treated with antibiotics, and were advised they would need to wait three weeks for the results of the analysis. They went to a private clinic where they were told it was Chikungunya, and advised to continue with the antibiotics.

INFRAESTRUCTURA

Baltazar Gómez Catzín, president of the Federación de Cooperativas Pesqueras of Quintana Roo, plans to have a meeting with María del Carmen García Rivas, director of the Isla Contoy National Park, concerning the need to build two new huts at the fishermen's camp, because the old cabins have become uninhabitable. This would cost 125,000 pesos, and they will discuss ways to obtain the resources to start the construction. After the Park Director took office, she spoke about the possibility of seeking ways to improve the fishing camp.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador, leader of the Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional (Morena), will visit Isla Mujeres on his tour through Quintana Roo, on Nov. 22 at 11am at the dome in colonia La Gloria, which is near the Red Cross.

Fishermen doing betterSe repone el sector pesquero.. [+] Ver mas
After two weeks of bad weather causing inactivity, the fishermen have been busy this week and reporting good catches of lobster and fish. Those with nets have had some problems with seaweed, and those with traps fared better. Although it is the Day of the Dead holidays this weekend, the fishermen say they need to go to work to feed their families, and will enjoy 'mucbil pollo' afterwards.
However, due to current reports of medium choppy waves, many did not go out beyond five miles, until the conditions improve. They work daily to maintain their nets, hooks, bait, compressed air machines and tanks, and to catch seafood. They prepare as the fall season progresses, bringing the more intense winds of the Nortes, which cause the lobster to move into the fishing areas near Isla Mujeres.

Tourism
Tourism remains good with many visitors arriving, and the boats from Cancun bring many groups, who in turn rent golf carts and visit the beaches and other sites. Hotels are reporting occupancy above 40 percent and expect 50 percent during the Day of the Dead celebrations this weekend. Based on their reservations, hoteliers are expecting good business in November and December.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

October events

Sunset ~6:40Moonrise over the Caribbean

Oct. 27 6:44
Oct. 28 7:37
Oct. 29 8:31
Oct. 30 9:26
Oct. 31 10:22

Thursday, Oct. 1 You are invited to the lighting of the pink lights today at 7pm on the
Town Square commemorating the start of the fight against breast cancer

Friday, Oct. 9 Day
of the Fishermen (Dia del Pescador). Event at Monument to the Fishermen
at Rueda Medina commemorating those who lost their lives at sea and
placing of wreath at sea

Monday, Oct. 12 Dia de la Raza

Activities at the Casa de la Cultura:
On October 12, a workshop will begin on Painting and Drawing with
teacher Dante Loyola at the Casa de Cultura on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
6pm, for 50 pesos weekly, which includes basic materials.
On October 5, fitness classes to relieve stress and improve fitness
will begin, with Dani Velasquez, at a cost of 100 pesos a week, on
Monday thru Friday at 6pm, at the Casa de Cultura.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5pm, there are classes for
those who enjoy the rhythms of urban dance, hip hop, soca, afro, and
mambo de calle at the Casa de Cultura.
A theater workshop for youths and adults will begin on Oct. 14
from 6p-8p, with teacher Rita Giacchetti, with the objective of teaching
the participants how to put on a performance. There will be 24 sessions
between Mondays and Fridays, with a small contribution required.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 Casa de Cultura 4p-8p Free Entry Sea turtles and their conservation at the Isla Contoy National Park of Quintana Roo Subjects: Nesting beaches, Sea monitoring, Genetics and marking, Monitoring the beach temperatures Sponsored by Amigos de Isla Contoy and contact info is given for more information

It says: Advisory: On Sunday, Oct. 25 from 5a to 11a there will be
street closures due to the Triathlon. The following streets will be
closed: Rueda Medina Avenue, Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Carlos Lazo, the
Eastern Malecon (Malecon Oriente), the Airport road, the Curve by
colonia Chiapaneco, and the coastal Perimetral road to Garrafon.

Tuesday Oct. 27 Dance performance, Food, Art Fair, Music! At the new Casa de Cultura Isla Mujeres... and the Governor and local officials will be
commemorating Isla's designation as a Pueblo Magico. The Casa de Cultura is on the eastern malecon at Abasolo (and
Guerrero.....the back street). Scheduled to begin at 7p

Oct. 30, Friday, 6p Parade of Souls from Cemetery to Cultural Center
where there will be an exhibition of Dia de Los Muertos altars
representative of different states in Mexico, by the students of Jean
Piaget school, and a Catrinas exhibition. Free

Sunday, Nov. 1 Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Day
Monday, Nov. 2 All Souls Day

Isla Mujeres: A Place of Traditions Participate!This is a poster for
a Hanal Pixan altar competition Hanal Pixan is the Mayan holiday that
occurs around the time of Dia de los Muertos and Halloween. It lasts
about a week and a half and is a commemoration of departed relatives and
friends, who are remembered with offerings of their favorite foods,
drinks, and items at altars containing their photos, at homes,
businesses, and other locations, and their graves are cleaned and
decorated. There are specials foods and other traditions.

From Sally Margolis Hi
all!! We (Isla Animals) are gearing up for a HUGE Spay/Neuter, Vaccination, Wellness
campaign for the animals in Rancho Viejo Nov 17-22. This is a very poor
area in the municipality of Isla Mujeres. Most are living without
electricity and running water. The situation for the animals there is
dire right now with parvo & distemper running rampant, and heavy
overpopulation. We expect to treat/vaccinate/spay/neuter 1000 cats &
dogs with the cost of surgery at just $10us per dog. This may be the
only time any of these animals see a vet. We can treat the existing
animals, vaccinate others against disease, curb the population growth,
and educate pet owners on proper animal care and make a HUGE
DIFFERENCE!! We have the knowledge, experience, volunteers, and heart to
make it happen. We are asking for all of your help to raise funds to
make the campaign a reality. (We can also accept Paypal donations via
our site islaanimals.org
- just add RANCHO VIEJO in message, and cash in person on Isla Mujeres.
Please, please share the link on your social media. It helps us so
much. If you are not in a position to donate PLEASE do read the campaign
& share, there is lots of excellent info in it about the work we
do-There is always so much to do! Thank you for your time! http://www.gofundme.com/isla-animals-rv

Apoyo para artesanos

On Wednesday, Isla Mujeres received resources from the Program for the Support of Artisan Production and Occupational Health to develop and increase artisan activity in the state. Suemy Gonzalez, head of municipal Economic Development, attended the event in Chetumal, representing the Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez, and accompanied by island artisans.

The state government provided 350,000 pesos through FONART, the National Fund for the Development of Art and Crafts, and the Department of Economic Development, for the benefit of 78 artisans from ten municipalities of the state.

The Director of SEDE said these resources will allow the artisans to obtain equipment, tools, and raw materials to develop products of quality, and in the quantity that are required for marketing. He said this benefit contributes to improving the quality of life for the artists by improving their production and promoting economic, social, and cultural development of these activities.

The Mayor has said that it is important to promote and encourage artisans with appropriate space for the exhibition and sale of their products, and to support activities that improve productivity and business. Therefore, together with local legislator Edgar Gasca Arceo, he has sent a formal request to the State Director of Handicraft Development for the municipality to host the First Craft Pavilion of 2016.

Procession for St. Jude led by Father Raul Sanchez

Procesión a San Judas Tadeo

Encabezada por el presbítero Raúl Sánchez

Hundreds of Catholics participated in a procession, singing praises and songs, and carrying an image of St Jude Tadeo, led by the local priest, Raul Sanchez Alonso. They left the downtown Church of Immaculate Conception at 6:30pm, went down the coastal road (Perimetral), and then down Martinez Ross avenue, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in colonia La Gloria., which is about 4 kilometers.

There is a Mega Rosary event planned for Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6:30pm in the Blue Dome in colonia la Gloria. (see translation yesterday).

This is an announcement about senior citizen pension benefits from the 65+ program, saying that workers will be available for registration, questions, and problem resolution, on November 3 at the Community Center in La Gloria.El 3 de Noviembre los esperamos en el Centro Comunitario de la Col. La Gloria.

Cabbies block golf cartsTaxistas bloquean carros de golf. [+] Ver mas
Dozens of tourists arrived by boat from Cancun to Sac Bajo at 10am, planning to take golf carts from Zama Beach Club to visit attractions around the isle, but they were blocked by a dozen taxi drivers. After the situation became tense, an agreement was made with the business manager at Zama to have the tourists taken to a particular rental agency.
Taxi drivers have claimed they are far outnumbered by golf carts, at a ratio of five to one, which has occurred in less than a decade, with the number of carts increasing from 200 units to more than 550. Meanwhile the number of taxis has remained at about 150 vehicles, according to a recent statement by their union leader, Eduardo Peniche Rodriguez. He was not present at the incident.
According to travel agents, tourists prefer to drive golf carts to explore the attractions of the island, and there are very few who use the taxis for this purpose. Taxistas are aware of this.
Meanwhile, islanders who work in the tourism industry have been abandoned and left with no public transportation, since there is no service into Sac Bajo because the "Isla Turicun" concession was not allowed to extend its routes into the area. (And since there is usually only one Turicun bus, and it is often broken down, the other workers on the isle generally lack good bus service also. News reports have said their concession expires at the end of the year.)

Magana ferries preparing to return to operationPreparan el regreso de los barcos Magaña+] Ver mas
The ferry "Lady" is being painted in preparation for resuming service between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juarez, after operations were interrupted for two months. According to one of the company Directors, Jorge Aragon, service will resume in a matter of days. The "Lady" was tied at the pier near the other ferry, "Caribbean Island", which belongs to another branch of the family.
A worker said, "The machinery has been rebuilt and they have been tested, and went at a good speed, even faster than the competition". The boat has a capacity of less than 100 passengers, and was being painted on Wednesday, after it passed maintenance tests.
The company has continued to offer its discounted rate to locals and residents of Quintana Roo of 50 pesos for a round trip, which is popular with the workers in the construction industry and in the tourism industry, who must travel back and forth. There has been a loss of customers over the past decade, when Ultramar has dominated the route. There is no good news on the horizon since the new Congress increased the cost of diesel for 2016, which could lead to general rate hike among the companies to address the escalating cost of fuel and overhead.

Irresponsible pollution in Makax LagoonIrresponsable contaminación en Laguna Makax.. [+] Ver mas
The Makax lagoon is considered as a "nursery" for several marine species of Isla Mujeres, but it is being polluted by two small half-sunken boats and litter. This includes various species such as lobster, turtles, conch, and other species that then 'feed' out into the Bay and the open sea. Environmentalists have recently said it is important to have conservation taking place in an official manner.
On a tour of Sac Bajo, the reporter observed several wooden piers, and one of concrete, in states of neglect and disrepair, and other have obstacles barring access. They are apparently in violation of environmental laws. Beside the dock near Zama restaurant, in Sac Bajo, there was a small half-sunken boat and 40 meters to the south there was another larger one, also half-sunken. Litter was observed on the water and along the shore, including plastic cups and containers.
During hurricanes, this lagoon area is used to protect about 300 small and medium boats. More piers have been built in recent years, with a lack of monitoring by the three levels of government concerning environmental issues. There is also rainwater runoff from streets in several colonias that could affect pollution levels. In addition, there are various marinas with no sewer systems to receive discharges from the foreign boats they have docked at their facilities, so it is presumed they are discharging sewage into the water.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

October events

Sunset ~6:40Moonrise over the Caribbean

Oct. 27 6:44
Oct. 28 7:37
Oct. 29 8:31
Oct. 30 9:26
Oct. 31 10:22

Thursday, Oct. 1 You are invited to the lighting of the pink lights today at 7pm on the
Town Square commemorating the start of the fight against breast cancer

Friday, Oct. 9 Day
of the Fishermen (Dia del Pescador). Event at Monument to the Fishermen
at Rueda Medina commemorating those who lost their lives at sea and
placing of wreath at sea

Monday, Oct. 12 Dia de la Raza

Activities at the Casa de la Cultura:
On October 12, a workshop will begin on Painting and Drawing with
teacher Dante Loyola at the Casa de Cultura on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
6pm, for 50 pesos weekly, which includes basic materials.
On October 5, fitness classes to relieve stress and improve fitness
will begin, with Dani Velasquez, at a cost of 100 pesos a week, on
Monday thru Friday at 6pm, at the Casa de Cultura.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5pm, there are classes for
those who enjoy the rhythms of urban dance, hip hop, soca, afro, and
mambo de calle at the Casa de Cultura.
A theater workshop for youths and adults will begin on Oct. 14
from 6p-8p, with teacher Rita Giacchetti, with the objective of teaching
the participants how to put on a performance. There will be 24 sessions
between Mondays and Fridays, with a small contribution required.

Wednesday, Oct. 21 Casa de Cultura 4p-8p Free Entry Sea turtles and their conservation at the Isla Contoy National Park of Quintana Roo Subjects: Nesting beaches, Sea monitoring, Genetics and marking, Monitoring the beach temperatures Sponsored by Amigos de Isla Contoy and contact info is given for more information

It says: Advisory: On Sunday, Oct. 25 from 5a to 11a there will be
street closures due to the Triathlon. The following streets will be
closed: Rueda Medina Avenue, Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Carlos Lazo, the
Eastern Malecon (Malecon Oriente), the Airport road, the Curve by
colonia Chiapaneco, and the coastal Perimetral road to Garrafon.

Tuesday Oct. 27 Dance performance, Food, Art Fair, Music! At the new Casa de Cultura Isla Mujeres... and the Governor and local officials will be
commemorating Isla's designation as a Pueblo Magico. The Casa de Cultura is on the eastern malecon at Abasolo (and
Guerrero.....the back street). Scheduled to begin at 7p

Oct. 30, Friday, 6p Parade of Souls from Cemetery to Cultural Center
where there will be an exhibition of Dia de Los Muertos altars
representative of different states in Mexico, by the students of Jean
Piaget school, and a Catrinas exhibition. Free

Sunday, Nov. 1 Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Day
Monday, Nov. 2 All Souls Day

Isla Mujeres: A Place of Traditions Participate!This is a poster for
a Hanal Pixan altar competition Hanal Pixan is the Mayan holiday that
occurs around the time of Dia de los Muertos and Halloween. It lasts
about a week and a half and is a commemoration of departed relatives and
friends, who are remembered with offerings of their favorite foods,
drinks, and items at altars containing their photos, at homes,
businesses, and other locations, and their graves are cleaned and
decorated. There are specials foods and other traditions.

From Sally Margolis Hi
all!! We (Isla Animals) are gearing up for a HUGE Spay/Neuter, Vaccination, Wellness
campaign for the animals in Rancho Viejo Nov 17-22. This is a very poor
area in the municipality of Isla Mujeres. Most are living without
electricity and running water. The situation for the animals there is
dire right now with parvo & distemper running rampant, and heavy
overpopulation. We expect to treat/vaccinate/spay/neuter 1000 cats &
dogs with the cost of surgery at just $10us per dog. This may be the
only time any of these animals see a vet. We can treat the existing
animals, vaccinate others against disease, curb the population growth,
and educate pet owners on proper animal care and make a HUGE
DIFFERENCE!! We have the knowledge, experience, volunteers, and heart to
make it happen. We are asking for all of your help to raise funds to
make the campaign a reality. (We can also accept Paypal donations via
our site islaanimals.org
- just add RANCHO VIEJO in message, and cash in person on Isla Mujeres.
Please, please share the link on your social media. It helps us so
much. If you are not in a position to donate PLEASE do read the campaign
& share, there is lots of excellent info in it about the work we
do-There is always so much to do! Thank you for your time! http://www.gofundme.com/isla-animals-rv

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.